Using “Energy Drinks?” Watch out!
May 10, 2012 by Doug Larson
Filed under Dental Health
Energy drinks are gaining popularity, they provide a quick boost for consumers. Should you be using them? Aside from health risks from increase blood pressure and heart rate dental risks are also becoming apparent.
An article in The Academy of General Dentistry, examined the acidity levels numerous drinks to see how they would impact a tooth’s enamel. Acidity varies between brands. Human enamel was immersed into each beverage for 15 minutes, followed by artificial saliva for two hours, four times per day over a five-day period.
As few as five days after exposure, enamel damage was present. Energy drinks in caused double the amount of damage to teeth verses the sports drinks.
Silver Fillings: Why replace them?
October 16, 2011 by Doug Larson
Filed under Dental Health
 The arrow points to a missing piece of tooth.
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| The tooth above doesn’t look all that bad; a small missing piece of tooth structure, the color of the tooth is a bit grey in some areas around the filling, and the filling is very tarnished. Neither you nor the dentist would even notice the missing tooth without using an intra-oral camera. |
Definition: Periodontal or Gum Disease
April 23, 2010 by Doug Larson
Filed under Dental Health
Stages of Periodontal or Gum Disease
Your home care program and regular office visits can control periodontal/gum disease.
Healthy Gums
A cross section of healthy gums, tooth, and bone.
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Here, gums have a healthy pink color. Gum line hugs the teeth tightly. There is no bleeding on healthy gums. |
 Healthy gum tissue. |
Gingivitis
Protect Your Toddler; Stop Bottle Decay
February 6, 2010 by Doug Larson
Filed under Children, Dental Health, Patient information
Bottle Decay
Start your child brushing early!
Frequent exposure to sugary liquids causes “bottle decay” in your children’s teeth. This doesn’t have to be juice with sugar added, but, milk, formula, soda, fruit juice, and pacifiers dipped in honey or sugar. Sugar sustains plaque-producing bacteria, which allows the acid to attack the teeth and gums. Bottle decay often leads to early removal of your child’s teeth. This may cause speech impediments, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth.
Reduce Cavities: Give your Children Fluoride
February 2, 2010 by Doug Larson
Filed under Children, Dental Health, Patient information, Prevention
What does fluoride do for your teeth?
Why would you ever want fluoride for your children? It’s obvious to the dentist, who’s received fluoride and who hasn’t. How does he know?
Fluoride keeps you smiling!!
It’s the number of cavities you get. Optimum fluoride reduces cavities dramatically.
What’s the right amount of fluoride?
Most children need fluoride supplements after six months old, to prevent cavities. If your city water has fluoride (greater than 0.6 ppm) and your children are drinking tap water, that’s all you need. Well water, filtered or bottled water, doesn’t generally contain adequate amounts of fluoride. Talk to your Pediatrician or Dentist about giving fluoride supplements.
